ABUJA/Nigeria: The Igbo Community Association of the Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT) has called on Igbo communities in the diaspora to shift focus from what it described as the growing trend of “Ezeship” in foreign lands to more pragmatic initiatives that promote unity, cultural preservation, and institutional development among Ndigbo.
In a statement signed by its President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the association raised concerns over what it termed a “clear and present danger” confronting the future of the Igbo people in contemporary Nigeria, warning that the current socio-political realities demand strategic thinking rather than what it described as “needless coronations.”
The ICA FCT said the increasing conferment of Ezeigbo titles abroad has become counterproductive, describing the trend as “comical at best” and a distraction from pressing issues affecting the collective progress of the Igbo nation.
“Our Igbo community unions across Nigeria and the wider diaspora must sit up and smell the coffee,” the statement read. “It is time to embrace groundbreaking, innovative social development to sustain the Igbo spirit for future generations and to survive the ongoing onslaught on our existence as a people.”
As part of a renewed vision for cultural independence, the association proposed the establishment of an Igbo Worldwide Library and Museum, a legacy project it said would serve as a global hub for the preservation and promotion of Igbo heritage.
According to the group, the proposed institution would be funded, controlled, and managed exclusively by Igbo individuals and private capital, remaining independent of both state and federal government influence, thereby ensuring autonomy and sustainability.
The ICA FCT stressed that such institutional development should take precedence over what it described as the “constant infestation” of diaspora Ezeships, urging stakeholders to redirect resources and energy toward initiatives that will have lasting impact.
The association also reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide under Senator John Azuta-Mbata, commending the body’s commitment to safeguarding Igbo interests at the national level.
It called on all Ndigbo, both at home and abroad, to rally around the apex socio-cultural organisation, noting that unity remains critical in navigating the challenges facing the Igbo nation.
“Our prayer is for Igbos to unify worldwide, moving away from the comedy of Ezeships in foreign lands and toward the goal of collective strength,” the statement added.
The ICA FCT reiterated its commitment to fostering grassroots unity, promoting Igbo language and values, and championing innovative development initiatives aimed at preserving the identity and heritage of Ndigbo for generations to come.
